VA's $39.8M HUD-VASH contract for Bronx veterans shows strong competition and long-term delivery

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $39,834,632 ($39.8M)

Contractor: Lopez Carlos L

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2012-09-24

End Date: 2018-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,197 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF HUD-VASH CONTRACT FOR BRONX VA

Place of Performance

Location: BRONX, BRONX County, NEW YORK, 10468

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $39.8 million to LOPEZ CARLOS L for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF HUD-VASH CONTRACT FOR BRONX VA Key points: 1. The contract demonstrates a commitment to long-term support services for a vulnerable population. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these specialized services. 3. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the agency. 4. The duration of the contract indicates a stable, ongoing need for these services. 5. Performance context is crucial given the sensitive nature of veteran support. 6. Sector positioning is within social services and housing support for veterans.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

Benchmarking this contract's value is challenging without specific service metrics and comparable contracts. However, the total award of $39.8 million over approximately six years suggests a consistent annual spend. The firm fixed-price structure implies that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government. Further analysis would require understanding the specific services provided per veteran and comparing those costs to similar programs or market rates for vocational rehabilitation and housing support.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were eligible to bid. The presence of two bidders suggests a competitive environment, which typically leads to better pricing and service offerings for the government. This level of competition is a positive sign for price discovery and ensures that the award was made to the most advantageous offer.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down costs through market forces and encouraging innovation among service providers.

Public Impact

Veterans in the Bronx, NY, benefit from vocational rehabilitation and housing support. The contract facilitates the HUD-VASH program, aimed at housing homeless veterans. Services include vocational training and support to help veterans achieve stable employment. The geographic impact is focused on the New York City metropolitan area. Workforce implications include the creation of jobs within the service provider organization and potential employment for the veterans served.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for service gaps if contractor performance falters over the long duration.
Ensuring consistent quality of vocational rehabilitation services across the contract period.
Monitoring the effectiveness of housing support in achieving long-term stability for veterans.

Positive Signals

Long-term commitment to a critical veteran support program.
Competitive award process likely secured favorable terms.
Focus on vocational rehabilitation addresses a key barrier to veteran independence.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the social services and government contracting sector, specifically focusing on programs designed to support vulnerable populations like veterans. The market for such services involves organizations with expertise in housing assistance, case management, and vocational training. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other HUD-VASH contracts or similar government initiatives aimed at veteran homelessness and employment across different regions.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this contract. Therefore, the primary focus was likely on larger, established providers capable of delivering comprehensive services. Further investigation would be needed to determine if any small businesses were involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs program officials responsible for the HUD-VASH initiative. Accountability measures would include performance reviews, adherence to service level agreements, and financial reporting. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting requirements, though specific performance metrics may not always be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

HUD-VASH Program
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Homeless Veterans Services

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may increase risk of performance degradation or changing needs.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical services requires robust oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $39.8 million to LOPEZ CARLOS L. IGF::OT::IGF HUD-VASH CONTRACT FOR BRONX VA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LOPEZ CARLOS L.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $39.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-09-24. End: 2018-09-30.

What specific vocational rehabilitation services are included in this contract, and what are the expected outcomes for participating veterans?

This contract, awarded to LOPEZ CARLOS L by the Department of Veterans Affairs, focuses on providing vocational rehabilitation services as part of the HUD-VASH program in the Bronx. While the specific breakdown of services is not detailed in the provided data, typical vocational rehabilitation includes job assessment, career counseling, skills training, resume building, interview preparation, and job placement assistance. The expected outcomes for participating veterans are improved employability, securing stable and meaningful employment, increased income, and greater overall independence and quality of life. The success of these services is often measured by metrics such as the number of veterans placed in jobs, the average starting salary, job retention rates, and the reduction in reliance on public assistance.

How does the annual spending on this contract compare to other similar HUD-VASH contracts in different major metropolitan areas?

The total award for this contract is approximately $39.8 million over a period of 2197 days (roughly 6 years), equating to an average annual spend of about $6.6 million. Comparing this to other HUD-VASH contracts requires access to a broader dataset of federal awards. However, annual spending for HUD-VASH contracts can vary significantly based on the number of veterans served, the cost of living in the specific geographic area, and the scope of services provided (e.g., housing subsidies, case management intensity, ancillary support). Major metropolitan areas like New York City often have higher operational costs, which could justify a higher annual spend compared to contracts in less expensive regions. Without specific data on comparable contracts, it's difficult to definitively state if this spending is high or low, but it reflects a substantial investment in veteran support in a high-cost urban environment.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used by the VA to assess the contractor's performance under this HUD-VASH contract?

The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this specific contract. However, for HUD-VASH contracts, the Department of Veterans Affairs typically monitors several critical areas. These often include the number of veterans successfully housed, the rate of housing stability (i.e., veterans remaining housed over a defined period), the provision and effectiveness of case management services, and the success of vocational rehabilitation efforts leading to employment. Performance might also be assessed based on client satisfaction surveys, adherence to program timelines, and the efficient use of allocated funds. Regular performance reviews and site visits by VA contracting officers and program managers are standard procedures to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

What is the historical spending trend for vocational rehabilitation services provided by the VA, and how does this contract fit into that trend?

The Department of Veterans Affairs has consistently allocated significant funding towards vocational rehabilitation services, recognizing their importance in helping veterans transition to civilian life and achieve economic stability. Historical spending trends generally show a sustained or increasing investment in these programs, driven by the ongoing needs of returning service members and veterans facing employment challenges. This specific $39.8 million HUD-VASH contract represents a substantial, long-term investment within a particular region (Bronx, NY) and is integrated with housing support. It fits into the broader trend by contributing to the VA's overall mission of providing comprehensive support, underscoring the agency's commitment to addressing both the housing and employment needs of veterans.

Are there any known risks associated with the contractor, LOPEZ CARLOS L, based on past performance or financial stability?

The provided data does not contain information regarding the past performance or financial stability of the contractor, LOPEZ CARLOS L. A comprehensive risk assessment would require accessing additional databases and records, such as past performance reviews (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), financial health reports, and any history of litigation or contract disputes. Without this supplementary information, it is impossible to identify specific risks associated with this particular contractor. Federal agencies typically conduct thorough due diligence before awarding contracts, especially those of significant value and duration, to mitigate potential performance or financial risks.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Vocational Rehabilitation Services › Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Product/Service Code: SOCIAL SERVICES › SOCIAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 880 MAIN ST, LINCOLN, ME, 04457

Business Categories: Category Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $76,851,255

Exercised Options: $46,526,599

Current Obligation: $39,834,632

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS02F0075W

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline